Possible Patriot Act Abuses Released by FBI

THE DISCLOSURE
Documents obtained by EPIC from the FBI describe thirteen cases
of
possible misconduct in intelligence investigations. The case
numbering suggests that there were at least 153 investigations of
misconduct at the FBI in 2003 alone.

THE ISSUE
Oversight of the FBI's intelligence activities since passage
of the
Patriot Act.

THE BACKGROUND
The FBI is the leading law enforcement agency in the United
States.
However, since passage of the Patriot Act, the Bureau has become more
involved in secretive intelligence investigations. Concerns have been
raised about whether there is adequate oversight of the FBI's new
authority. EPIC recently sent a letter to the Senate Judiciary Committee
regarding possible misconduct in intelligence investigations.

THE SIGNIFICANCE
These documents obtained by EPIC suggest that Congress may
be unaware
of unlawful intelligence investigations in the United States.

FOIA Publications

FOIA Documents

About
the Freedom of Information Act
The Freedom of Information Act establishes a legal right for individuals to
obtain records in the possession of government agencies. The FOIA is critical
for the functioning of democratic government because it helps ensure that the
public is fully informed about matters of public concern. The FOIA has helped
uncover fraud, waste, and abuse in the federal government. It has become particularly
important in the last few years as the government has tried to keep more of
its activities secret.